UN Security Council passes compromise resolution conceding to Russian pressure..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: UN resolution on Syria falls short of humanitarian needs
Reports highlight crackdowns on press in Kurdistan Region
The Iraqi Kurdistan Regional Government has rejected the charges, citing the independence of courts and media partnerships.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Reports highlight crackdowns on press in Kurdistan Region
Egypt to Security Council: Ethiopian dam an ‘existential threat’
Foreign minister says potential disruptions from dam could be like a "malignant plague" for Egypt.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Egypt to Security Council: Ethiopian dam an ‘existential threat’
UN rights expert says Israeli settlements a 'war crime'
Israel blasted the report as “the latest one-sided and biased report against Israel."
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: UN rights expert says Israeli settlements a 'war crime'
Humanitarian crisis looms in south Syria town amid ongoing government siege
With the support of Russia, Syrian government forces are besieging 11,000 Syrian families in the neighborhoods of Daraa al-Balad in southern Syria, after former Free Syrian Army fighters refused to hand over their light weapons.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Humanitarian crisis looms in south Syria town amid ongoing government siege
Lebanon implements ration card program as economic crisis worsens
The Lebanese parliament approved a law to fund ration cards for the most vulnerable families, while ending subsidies.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Lebanon implements ration card program as economic crisis worsens
Saudi Arabia records 1,177 new COVID-19 cases, total crosses 500,000
Saudi Arabia has recorded 1,177 new COVID-19 cases over the past 24 hours, raising the total to 500,082, the Ministry of Health reported on Saturday.Read the latest updates in our dedicated coronavirus section.Of the new cases, 305 were detected in the capital Riyadh while Mecca saw 297 cases.The health ministry also confirmed 16 virus-related death, taking the death toll to 7,963.Meanwhile, 1,516 people who had previously tested positive for the virus recovered, raising the total recoveries to 481,225.Read more:Saudi Arabia announces Eid al-Adha to begin on July 20Saudi Arabia selects 60,000 people to perform Hajj amid ongoing COVID-19 rules
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Saudi Arabia records 1,177 new COVID-19 cases, total crosses 500,000
UAE national Tahany Taher on her rise to success
This country has made me who I am today, says Tahany..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: UAE national Tahany Taher on her rise to success
Lebanese pound maintains free fall
The Lebanese pound fell again against the dollar Saturday, trading at LL19,300 to the dollar on the black market, as the country’s political and economic crisis drifts on with no relief in sight..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: Lebanese pound maintains free fall
Lebanon government raises bread price for seventh time in one year
For the seventh time in a year, Lebanon’s economy ministry announced on Saturday new prices for bread, slowly removing subsidies as the country sinks deeper into a dire economic and political crisis.For all the latest headlines follow our Google News channel online or via the app.The ministry said raising the price was necessary as the national currency continues to slide against the dollar, making imports of basic supplies including fuel and wheat more expensive. The currency, pegged to the dollar for nearly 30 years at 1,500 to the dollar, has lost over 90 percent of its value. It is now trading at nearly 20,000 Lebanese pounds to the dollar.This is the second price hike this month. The ministry raised the price of a bag of flatbread, a staple in Lebanon, by 6 percent — making it now sell at 4,000 Lebanese Pounds (or $2.7 at the official rate). The decision also included a new reduction in the size of the bag of bread — this time by 5 percent.Lebanon is in the throes of an economic crisis that is bringing regular life to a near halt. Businesses are shutting down, pharmacies have gone on strikes because they can’t secure imported medicines. Fuel shortages have forced hospitals and the country’s only airport to ration their use, shutting down air conditioning and lights in some parts. A marathon for vaccination against COVID-19 scheduled for Saturday and Sunday was postponed because many of the centers that planned to take part had no fuel to operate their generators or internet.The World Bank has called Lebanon’s crisis one of the worst the world has seen in the past 150 years.The crisis is made worse by a stifling political deadlock among rival groups who are failing to agree on a new government line-up.The current government had resigned last year following the massive August blast in Beirut’s port. The government has since operated in a caretaker capacity — which doesn’t allow it to continue talks with the International Monetary Fund for a bailout.As the crisis deepens, tempers are fraying. Protesters set up road blocks at major intersections in the capital Beirut to object to the political class’s continued bickering and worsening conditions. At long queues in gas stations, some motorists fired their guns in the air in anger.Read more:Pharmacies in crisis-hit Lebanon strike over medical shortagesIsraeli army foils weapons smuggling attempt on Lebanon border, ‘largest in years’Lebanon minister rejects request to question security chief over Beirut blast
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Lebanon government raises bread price for seventh time in one year